Tips for Expressway Driving in Georgia

Georgia has an expansive system of expressways and driving on them safely, whether in the metro Atlanta area or in rural Georgia, can be challenging.  Careful, defensive driving can go a long way toward staying safe and avoiding accidents on Georgia expressways. Whether you use expressways every day to commute to work or you are preparing for a special trip, here are some tips for expressway driving that can protect you, your passengers, roadwork crews, and other drivers.

1. Be alert, and use your rearview mirror and side mirrors to constantly check traffic around you, especially before you change lanes. This will also provide potential “outs” should you need to make an evasive maneuver.


2. Stay out of other drivers’ blind spots. Either remain far enough behind a vehicle traveling in an adjacent lane so that the driver can see you, or pass the vehicle. Keep in mind that large vehicles and semi-trucks have larger blind spots.


3. Activate your left or right turn signal well in advance of making a lane change.


4. Be sure to allow plenty of room when passing to avoid a crash. Don’t pull in front of another vehicle until you see the car clearly in your rear view mirror.


5. Observe the posted maximum and minimum speed limits on expressways.


6. Do not stop on the roadway shoulder unless it is an emergency. If you must stop, raise your hood, turn on your hazard lights, and move as far from the driving lane as possible.


7. Do not drive if you are tired or drowsy. On expressways, drivers are vulnerable to “highway hypnosis,” brought on by monotony and constant noise from wind, tires, and engine hum. Exercise your eyes by looking at different areas of the roadway; also avoid staring at the center line.


8. Do not count on other drivers to do what you think they are going to do or what you think they should do in a particular situation. For example, do not assume a driver in front of you will activate his or her turn signal before changing lanes.


9. If you are planning to travel on an unfamiliar expressway, map the entrances, services areas, and exits you plan to use beforehand. This way, lane changes and exits are less likely to sneak up on you.


10. Check your gas, oil, and tires before you engage in expressway driving. There are fewer places to stop on expressways, and don’t want to be stuck on the road due to automobile maintenance issues.

Expressway car accidents often result in serious injuries. If you have been hurt in an expressway collision, do not delay in contacting an experienced auto accident lawyer. At Katz Personal Injury Lawyers, your first consultation is always free, and there is no obligation to hire our firm to represent you. However, there are time limitations that apply to filing a claim for monetary damages. Please contact our office today at (404) 460-0101.